Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Red Sox Trade Connelly Early for Curtis Mead

7/26/2026

43 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Boston Red Sox traded left-handed pitcher Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals for infielder Curtis Mead.
The Red Sox said depth from Jake Bennett and Anthony Eyanson let them move Early, a controllable left-hander.
The Nationals will add Early to the top of their rotation with Cade Cavalli.
Curtis Mead, 25, is hitting .254/.352/.500 with 17 homers, six steals in 327 games and posted a 10.8% barrel rate.

History

Historical Context

On August 30, 1990 the Boston Red Sox traded prospect Jeff Bagwell to the Houston Astros for reliever Larry Andersen, a deal later deemed one of baseball’s most lopsided after Bagwell amassed 449 career home runs and a 1994 MVP. The club’s current move—sending left-hander Connelly Early to Washington for infielder Curtis Mead—echoes that historic pattern of swapping pitching depth for offensive upside.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Boston Red Sox traded left-handed pitcher Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals for infielder Curtis Mead.
The Red Sox said depth from Jake Bennett and Anthony Eyanson let them move Early, a controllable left-hander.
The Nationals will add Early to the top of their rotation with Cade Cavalli.
Curtis Mead, 25, is hitting .254/.352/.500 with 17 homers, six steals in 327 games and posted a 10.8% barrel rate.

1 / 2